The Fall Season is here! Enjoy the crisp autumn weather by checking out the many events and festivals happening all across Metro Vancouver. The Vancouver International Film Festival is probably among the biggest events happening right now, but why not also check out some of the other events and shows below?
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Stan Douglas: 2011 ≠ 1848
Sept. 9–Nov. 6
Stan Douglas: 2011 ≠ 1848 presents a series of works inspired by historical events of social and political turbulence. Vancouver artist Douglas connects points of social rupture, rendering in minute detail and with technical ingenuity historic moments of protest, riot and occupation from 2011 that echoed upheavals that swept Europe in 1848. The exhibition features five large-scale panoramic photographs depicting different protests and riots from 2011. Douglas created the images by combining meticulous and elaborate re-enactments of the events, high-resolution plate shots of each city site, together with aerial documentary footage.
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Labour and Memory – Ukrainian-Canadian Contexts
Sept. 10–Oct. 29
Ukrainian and Canadian history are intertwined through immigration, settlement and displacement, with Canada having the largest population of Ukrainian descendants outside Europe. Reflecting on the current war in Ukraine, Canada is experiencing another wave of immigration from Ukrainians dispossessed of their homelands. This exhibit draws together three artists – Ayla Dmyterko, Sonya Iwasiuk and Darlene Kalynka – whose work addresses individual ties to Ukrainian migration. The exhibition combines mediums of sculpture, installation, printmaking, books and moving images to layer the past and present of Ukrainian-Canadian realities. Each of the artists’ unique perspectives in Labour and Memory demonstrate the complexities of culture.
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Ed Pien: Tracing Water
Sept. 16–Nov. 12
Tracing Water presents an extensive assembly of work by Toronto-based artist Ed Pien. Ranging from drawing to lithography to prints and video, the works span over 20 years and explore and incorporate water in these artistic creations. Recent works by Pien included in the exhibition delve more deeply into exploring the sentience of water, that water has co-agency, liveliness and creativity. According to Pien, water is a material that is highly process-based and plays a significant role in how a drawing can unfold. These explorations include photographs entitled Breath that capture ephemeral drawings made by the artist’s breath in minus 45 degrees.
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RiverFest 2022
Sept. 20–25
RiverFest returns to New Westminster once again! This week-long, free, family-friendly festival is a great way to enjoy the beginnings of fall on the New Westminster waterfront by the Quay. Since its inception, the festival has continued to grow steadily with new and exciting components that highlight and celebrate the environmental, economic and socio-cultural importance of the Fraser River. This year the festival includes vendors whose products embody the Fraser, a diverse assortment of exhibitors, children’s activities and live music. For a scheduled list of events, check out the festival’s website.
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Khoj – A Contemporary Kathak Dance Extravaganza
Sept. 21–24
Khoj – A Contemporary Kathak Dance Extravaganza blends traditional and modern movement through the different forms of the ocean, romance, rhythmic pattern, inner search for spirituality and finishes with Sufi (divine truth). In this performance, Usha Gupta’s dance ensemble reimagines Kathak, the classical form of dance from northern India. For cast info, tickets and more details, please visit the Firehall Arts Centre website.
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Harrison Mooney: Invisible Boy
Sept. 22, 7–8 p.m.
Join writer and journalist Harrison Mooney, Vancouver Public Library’s 18th Writer in Residence, as he launches his residency with a discussion about his new memoir, Invisible Boy. In this powerful coming-of-age book, Harrison shares his story of growing up as a Black child in a white evangelical family, getting abused for his colour while finding his Black consciousness, and finally reuniting with his biological mother after twenty five years. Harrison will appear in conversation with Melanie Green, former journalist and podcaster, and the new program director at the Ouano Foundation. Check out the VPL’s website for more details.
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Lebanese Film Festival in Canada
Sept. 23–26
The Lebanese Film Festival in Canada (LFFC) is one of the world’s premier Film Festivals dedicated to showcasing Lebanese films, as well as international standouts. Since its founding in 2017, the LFFC has helped promote the Lebanese film industry beyond its borders. The programming offers screenings, lectures, discussions, workshops, interviews and one-on-one meetings with filmmakers from Lebanon, Canada and across the world. The annual program includes dramatic and documentary features, short films, as well as daily conversations and panel discussions. For a complete list of films being shown, check out the festival’s website.
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Culture Days Celebration Concert featuring Star Band
Sept. 24, 2–3 p.m.
Gateway Theatre will have Star Band back after wowing a full house crowd in 2019. Don’t miss your chance to catch Star Band on Sept. 24 as they play your favourite pop music from past decades, as well as present-day hits in English, Cantonese, Mandarin and even Japanese! Whether you understand none, one of, or all three languages, come experience the fun and buzz of live music at Gateway. Check out the theatre’s website to reserve tickets and for more information.
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11th Annual Mushtari Begum Festival
Sept. 24, 7–10 p.m.
The Massey Theatre will present Canada’s Premiere Indian Classical Music and Dance event, the 11th Annual Mushtari Begum Festival of Indian Classical Music and Dance. The MBF is taking place on Sept. 24 at 7 p.m. featuring the Kathak/Harmonium maestra Amika Kushwaha, who will dazzle the audience with her trademark “Poetry in Motion” Kathak performance, where she will present stupendous footwork patterns and blinding pirouettes. For tickets and more information, please visit the Massey Theatre’s website.
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Frozen River: nîkwatin sîpiy
Sept. 28–Oct. 16
The Carousel Theatre for Young People will present the west coast premiere of Manitoba Theatre for Young People’s award-winning play Frozen River, on stage Sept. 28 to Oct. 16 at the Waterfront Theatre. With an opening performance on National Day of Truth and Reconciliation (Sept. 30), this poignant and powerful play about reconciliation, environmentalism and interconnectedness tackles meaningful issues through engaging storytelling, whimsical puppetry and an age-appropriate narrative about the generational impact of our actions on the environment and our communities. Frozen River examines how we can all play an active role in honouring Indigenous reconciliation and protecting our environment. For tickets and more information, check out the theatre’s website.
